by Adam Williams

awilliams@thekmgroup.co.uk

“A remarkable, gracious and charming man, who loved the simple things in life.”

Some of the words used to describe Shottenden gardener Gary Neale, who passed away on Thursday, August 26 whilst attending the “Small World” gathering in Headcorn, near Maidstone.

Post mortem results confirmed he died tragically from carbon monoxide poisoning, while asleep in his tent.

Family and friends have been remembering the 49-year-old, who grew up in Meopham. The eldest of three children, Gary attended the village primary school before St George’s CE Secondary school in Gravesend.

He then followed his father into a career in the printing and design industry in London, working for Waterlows, which was later to become part of the British Printing Corporation.

Parents Joan and John now live in Seasalter, the location for many a family holiday. John remembers a loving son full of character, with a passion for the outdoors, something that remained with him throughout his life.

He said: “As a teenager, Gary enjoyed nothing more than going camping with his mates in the beautiful Kentish countryside and they formed the 'Hedgehog Hunters Club’, the irony being that they never caught any!

“They were a great bunch of characters, who remained close friends with Gary up until his death.”

In 1999, Gary decided he needed a change, selling up and deciding to travel around Australia for 18 months. On his return, he settled in Shottenden, near Chilham and made his move into becoming a professional gardener.

Using his flair and imagination, he created beautiful effects in his customers’ gardens, but Gary firmly considered himself to be just “a humble gardener”.
Father John added: “There is no doubt in my mind that the last 10 years of Gary’s life were amongst his happiest.”

Gary’s funeral will be held at Barham Crematorium on Monday, September 20 at 12.40pm.